Quick answer
The US imposes no quantity limit on exporting gold or silver you personally own. Shipments valued above $2,500 typically require an electronic export filing with the Census Bureau. The critical variable is your destination country: investment gold enters the EU with zero VAT, while silver faces rates of 20 to 25 percent on arrival. For positions with significant embedded gains, the 28 percent federal collectibles rate on a US sale may make shipping cheaper. For positions near your cost basis, selling in the US and repurchasing locally often beats the combined cost of specialist shipping, insurance, and customs brokerage.
What US export rules actually require
There is no US law that prohibits a private citizen from exporting gold coins, bars, or silver bullion for personal use. The US has not restricted civilian gold ownership or export since the repeal of Executive Order 6102 restrictions in 1974. What the government does require is accurate reporting of what leaves the country.
The governing regulation is the Foreign Trade Regulations, found at 15 CFR Part 30, administered by the US Census Bureau. Any export shipment valued above $2,500 per Schedule B commodity code requires Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed through the Automated Export System (AES) before the shipment departs. Gold and precious metals bullion fall under Schedule B heading 7108 (gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured) or 7115 (other articles of precious metal). If you are shipping your bullion through a freight forwarder or specialist carrier, they file the EEI on your behalf as your authorized agent. If the total value of your shipment is below $2,500, a filing exemption typically applies under 15 CFR 30.37. The Census Bureau’s AES filing portal and full exemption list are available at census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations.
A separate concern is whether your shipment falls under US export controls administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) or the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Standard bullion products (coins, bars, rounds from countries not subject to US sanctions) are not controlled goods. If you are moving to a country subject to US sanctions, consult an export compliance attorney before shipping anything of value.
One category that needs special handling: metals held inside a self-directed gold IRA. Those assets belong to the IRA custodian, not to you personally. You cannot simply ship them abroad. An in-kind distribution would need to be processed first, triggering ordinary income tax in the year of distribution (and the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you are under 59.5). Factor that tax cost into any comparison before assuming your IRA metals are portable. For the full mechanics, see our guide to in-kind IRA distributions.
Declaring cash-equivalent value when crossing borders personally
If you plan to carry bullion in your luggage rather than ship it, customs declaration rules apply in both directions. On the US side, CBP Form 6059B (the standard declaration form for returning residents) asks you to declare all articles acquired abroad. Traveling out, there is no general requirement to declare goods you already own, but some countries’ entry ports will ask you to demonstrate legal export from the US.
More important is what the receiving country asks you to declare. Most nations apply a threshold (commonly expressed as a currency equivalent, often in the range of 10,000 local currency units) above which travelers must declare currency and currency equivalents. Physical gold is treated as a currency equivalent under many countries’ customs laws. Failing to declare above the threshold can result in seizure and potentially criminal charges under that country’s customs code.
The practical guidance from CBP is simple: declare everything. Customs officers have wide discretion, and an undeclared item discovered after the fact is treated very differently from an item you disclosed on entry. Detailed country-by-country rules are available on CBP’s Know Before You Go page.
Also read our related guide: Traveling with Gold: TSA Rules and International Customs Declarations, which covers what you can physically carry on a flight and the per-country declaration thresholds for major destinations.
What your destination country will charge on arrival
This is where the financial math either confirms or upends your plan to ship. Three major zones represent the full range of import treatment:
European Union: investment gold is VAT-exempt, silver is not
The EU’s VAT Directive (Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Articles 344 through 346) grants a full VAT exemption to “investment gold.” The exemption covers two product categories. First: gold bars and wafers with a purity of at least 995 thousandths (99.5 percent fine). Second: gold coins with a purity of at least 900 thousandths minted after 1800 that are or were legal tender in their country of origin. American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, and Austrian Philharmonics all qualify. The EU publishes a current list of qualifying coins annually in the Official Journal.
Silver bullion does not qualify for this exemption. Standard VAT rates apply, ranging from 19 percent in Germany to 20 percent in France and Austria to 25 percent in Sweden and Denmark. A $10,000 silver position could cost an additional $1,900 to $2,500 in VAT on arrival into an EU member state. For a concentrated silver position, that import cost alone may be decisive in the sell-vs-ship comparison.
The UK, which left the EU in 2020, maintains a parallel investment gold exemption under the Value Added Tax Act 1994, Schedule 9, Group 15. The definitions of qualifying gold closely track the EU rules. Silver in the UK faces 20 percent VAT.
Canada: generally low duty, confirm GST treatment
Canada generally applies a zero percent customs duty rate to gold and silver bullion under CBSA Tariff Items 7108.12 and 7108.13. However, GST and the applicable provincial HST may apply depending on the product type and province of entry. The Canada Border Services Agency publishes current tariff rates at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Confirm with a Canadian customs broker before shipping; the GST treatment of specific coin types can be nuanced.
Other destinations: research first, ship second
For any country not listed above, the only reliable source is that country’s customs authority and a licensed local customs broker. Import duties on precious metals range from zero (most developed markets) to 10 percent or more (some South Asian and Southeast Asian countries). VAT or goods and services tax equivalents vary widely. A customs broker in your destination country can quote you the landed cost before you commit to shipping.
The reality of international bullion shipping
Standard carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) either prohibit precious metals in their service agreements or cap insured value far below what a serious bullion position is worth. USPS Registered Mail, the recommended domestic method for small insured shipments, does not extend to international shipments with comparable coverage. For a full explanation of why domestic mailing norms do not apply abroad, see our guide to USPS Registered Mail for bullion.
Moving a material bullion position internationally requires a specialist armored carrier. The primary options in this market are Brinks Global Services, Malca-Amit, and Loomis International. These carriers offer:
- All-risk insurance covering the declared fair market value of the shipment
- Customs brokerage at origin and destination, including EEI filing on your behalf in the US
- Documented chain of custody from pickup through delivery
- Track record with customs authorities in major financial centers
Total costs depend on declared value, origin, destination, carrier, and market conditions at the time you ship. Request quotes from at least two providers. Budget line items to model include the base shipping rate, the insurance premium (calculated as a percentage of declared value), customs brokerage fees at both ends, and any destination import taxes you owe on arrival.
Two constraints that eliminate shortcuts: you must declare the actual fair market value of the shipment, not a deflated figure, because undervaluing to reduce destination VAT is customs fraud. And your homeowner or renter insurance almost certainly does not cover international transit of bullion; the carrier’s all-risk policy must be in force.
The sell-before-you-move alternative
Selling your US bullion position before you relocate sidesteps every international transit and import complication. The question is whether the cost of selling and later repurchasing abroad is lower than the combined cost of shipping and destination VAT.
Cost of selling in the US
Physical bullion dealers pay below spot on purchases from the public. The spread varies by product type. Liquid sovereign coins (American Gold Eagles, Silver Eagles, Maple Leafs) typically command better dealer bids than generic rounds or smaller bars. Less-recognized products and large-quantity lots of silver may sell at a wider spread below spot. Get sealed competing offers from multiple dealers before accepting; see our free seller request service, which connects you with up to 15 verified buyers submitting sealed bids.
Federal capital gains tax on the sale
This is usually the deciding variable. The IRS classifies physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium as collectibles under IRC Section 1(h)(4)(A). Long-term capital gains on collectibles, meaning assets held more than one year, are taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28 percent. This is higher than the 15 to 20 percent maximum rate that applies to most other long-term capital assets. Short-term gains, for assets held one year or less, are taxed at ordinary income rates, which can reach 37 percent. IRS Publication 544 (Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets) covers the collectibles classification and applicable rate. State income tax on the gain may apply separately depending on your state of residence at the time of sale.
The implication: a large embedded gain significantly raises the cost of the sell-in-US path. A position held near its original cost basis has a low tax cost to sell and may favor the sell-and-repurchase route.
Repurchasing in your destination country
Local dealer premiums over spot vary by country and product availability. In major markets (UK, Germany, Canada, Australia) premiums on standard sovereign coins are broadly comparable to the US. Local VAT rules apply to new purchases in those markets if you are buying silver or platinum: the EU investment gold exemption applies to gold only on purchase as well as on import.
Worked example: a 20 oz gold position (illustrative)
The following uses a hypothetical position to illustrate how the variables interact. All numbers are illustrative only and do not represent current market prices, fees, or tax rates. Run your own numbers with a tax professional before deciding.
| Cost factor | Ship to EU (investment gold) | Sell in US, repurchase in EU |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist shipping + insurance + brokerage | Illustrative: $2,000-$4,000 | $0 |
| EU import VAT (gold exempt) | $0 | $0 (EU gold also exempt on purchase) |
| Federal capital gains tax (28% collectibles rate, $46,000 gain) | $0 (no sale event) | Up to $12,880 federal |
| State tax on gain (varies) | $0 | Varies: $0 to several thousand |
| Dealer spread on US sale (illustrative: 2% below spot) | $0 | ~$1,520 |
| Dealer premium on EU repurchase (illustrative: 3% over spot) | $0 | ~$2,280 |
| Estimated total friction | $2,000-$4,000 | $16,680+ (plus state tax) |
In this scenario, a large embedded gain makes shipping the dramatically cheaper option for gold going to the EU. Now run the same comparison for 200 oz of silver going to France (20% VAT on import and on repurchase): the destination VAT on silver flips the math entirely, because the sell-in-US path avoids the 20% VAT that you would pay on both the imported shipment and any future French repurchase.
The key insight: there is no single right answer. Your cost basis, holding period, metal type, and destination country’s VAT treatment all interact. A fee-only tax advisor familiar with IRC Section 1(h)(4) and international relocation is the right person to run your specific numbers.
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Practical checklist before you ship or sell
- Document your cost basis for every lot before you do anything. Without clear records (original purchase receipts, contract notes, wire confirmation), you cannot accurately calculate your capital gain or prove your basis to the IRS or a foreign tax authority. IRS Publication 551 (Basis of Assets) covers the applicable rules.
- Get a customs broker quote for your destination country before committing to a shipping timeline. Broker fees and timeline estimates vary; some countries process precious metals imports faster than others.
- Confirm your IRA metals separately. If any portion of your position is inside a self-directed IRA, contact your custodian about the distribution or transfer process before you move, not after.
- Check sanctions lists. If your destination is on an OFAC sanctions list, exporting valuable goods there may require an OFAC license. Check ofac.treasury.gov.
- Consult a tax professional with international experience. A move abroad can trigger exit tax considerations, foreign asset reporting requirements (FBAR, Form 8938), and state residency questions that affect when you owe tax. None of these are bullion-specific, but they interact with any asset sale you make near your departure date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring gold coins in my carry-on luggage when flying internationally?
TSA does not prohibit gold or silver coins in carry-on bags. The issue is at the destination: most countries require declaration of goods above a set monetary threshold, and gold is often treated as a currency equivalent. Declare your holdings accurately on the arrival customs form. Failure to declare items above the threshold is a customs violation in most jurisdictions, regardless of whether the metal is legal to import. For full detail on what you can carry and how to declare it, see our companion guide: Traveling with Gold: TSA Rules and International Customs Declarations.
Is there a US export license required for gold bullion?
For standard bullion products (coins, bars, rounds) exported to non-sanctioned countries, no export license is required. You do need to file Electronic Export Information through the Automated Export System when the shipment value exceeds $2,500 per Schedule B commodity code, under 15 CFR Part 30. Your freight forwarder or armored carrier typically handles this filing. If you are shipping to a country subject to US sanctions, an OFAC license may be required before export.
Does moving abroad trigger any US tax on my gold holdings?
Shipping your gold abroad does not itself trigger a US taxable event. Only a sale, exchange, or distribution creates a realization event under US tax rules. However, if you become a covered expatriate under IRC Section 877A (generally US citizens or long-term residents giving up citizenship or residency), the exit tax rules include a mark-to-market deemed disposition of your assets on the expatriation date. That deemed sale would trigger the 28 percent collectibles rate on any gain in your gold position, even though you did not actually sell. See our exit tax guide for more detail on who is a covered expatriate and how the deemed disposition rule works.
What is the EU investment gold exemption and which coins qualify?
The EU VAT Directive (Council Directive 2006/112/EC, Articles 344-346) exempts “investment gold” from VAT at both import and domestic purchase. Investment gold is defined as gold bars and wafers of at least 995 thousandths purity, and gold coins of at least 900 thousandths purity minted after 1800 that are or were legal tender in their country of origin. The European Commission publishes a list of qualifying coins annually in the Official Journal of the EU. American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Austrian Philharmonics, and British Britannias are among the qualifying coins. Silver, platinum, and palladium bullion do not qualify for the exemption and face each member state’s standard VAT rate.
Can I ship gold using USPS internationally?
USPS Registered Mail, which provides insured coverage for domestic shipments of high-value items including bullion, does not extend to international shipments with equivalent coverage and chain-of-custody protections. USPS prohibits coins, banknotes, and precious metals in most international services under its International Mail Manual. International bullion shipments require a specialist armored carrier with all-risk insurance. For a full explanation of why domestic USPS norms do not apply abroad, see our guide to USPS Registered Mail for bullion.
What federal tax rate applies when I sell gold before moving abroad?
The IRS treats physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium as collectibles under IRC Section 1(h)(4)(A). Long-term gains on collectibles (assets held more than one year) are subject to a maximum federal rate of 28 percent, higher than the 15 to 20 percent maximum rate that applies to most other long-term capital assets. Short-term gains (held one year or less) are taxed at ordinary income rates. IRS Publication 544 (Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets) covers this treatment. State income tax may apply separately. Get advice from a tax professional to calculate your specific liability before deciding to sell.
Should I sell my silver before moving to a country with high silver VAT?
For most scenarios involving silver imported into a high-VAT country, selling in the US before the move is more cost-efficient than shipping, because the destination VAT applies on both the imported shipment and any future local purchase. The comparison depends on the size of your embedded gain: if your silver is significantly appreciated, the 28 percent collectibles rate on a US sale must be factored against the VAT cost of importing. For positions held near cost basis, selling in the US and repurchasing locally after arrival avoids the VAT entirely, because you never import foreign silver. Run the actual numbers for your specific position.
Sources
- US Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR Part 30), Electronic Export Information requirements and exemptions.
- US Customs and Border Protection, Know Before You Go, personal goods declaration requirements for international travelers.
- Council of the European Union, Council Directive 2006/112/EC (EU VAT Directive), Articles 344-346, investment gold exemption.
- Canada Border Services Agency, Customs Tariff 2024, tariff items 7108.12 and 7108.13.
- US Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, ofac.treasury.gov, current sanctions lists and license requirements.
- Internal Revenue Service, Publication 544: Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets, collectibles classification and 28 percent rate under IRC Section 1(h)(4)(A).
- Internal Revenue Service, Publication 551: Basis of Assets, cost basis rules for property including collectibles.
- Internal Revenue Service, IRC Section 877A, Expatriation Tax, mark-to-market exit tax rules for covered expatriates.